War aces

War aces, combat pilots with at least 5 “victories” or “kills,” confirmed downings of enemy aircraft. Famous aces of World War I, the first air war, included Baron Manfred von Richthofen of Germany (the “Red Baron”) and Captain Eddie Rickenbacker of the United States. The leading ace of World War II was Captain Erich Hartmann of Germany (a record 352 kills); Lieutenant Colonel Heinz Bär of Germany was the first jet ace.